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Yocum's son throws out ceremonial first pitch

Yocum's son throws out ceremonial first pitch

By William Boor
/
MLB.com |

ANAHEIM -- Since Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels' longtime team orthopedist, passed away on May 25, he has been remembered through a variety of tributes. Prior to Saturday's game between the Angels and Red Sox, there was one more.

Yocum's son Donald, accompanied by his sister Laura and his mother Beth, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

"It means the world for us," Beth said. "They were such a huge part of his life and they have graced us so thoroughly. The Angels are a family for us."

The Angels had previously honored Yocum in late May when a picture of Yocum throwing out the first pitch and the words "An Angel Forever" was shown on the "Big A" of Angel Stadium.

Since Yocum's passing, Angels players and coaches have worn "LEW" patches on their jerseys.

"The first time we saw them, it was tearful for all of us," Beth said.

While Beth said it is "hard to put into words" what the patches meant to the Yocum family, she repeatedly patted her heart, which said more than was needed.

The Angels have been at the center of the Yocum tributes, but they are certainly not alone as Felix Hernandez wore a "LEW" patch during his June 20 start at Angel Stadium.

"We've heard so much about how many people he touched that he didn't perform surgery on just other ways that he touched them, through other players they heard about him," Beth said. "It's been pretty awesome for us. The scope of how big this was, was kind of a surprise to us."

William Boor is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.